Paul J. Nolan

Obituary Paul J. Nolan Born Feb. 8, 1920; died Feb. 3, 2015. The third of four sons born to Matthew J. Nolan of Mason City, Iowa, he graduated from Rochester High School, MN. Paul graduated from the University of Washington School of Law with a doctorate in Jurisprudence following WWII. During the war, Paul earned his flight wings at Cal Aero Academy, CA, and was commissioned at Williams Field, AZ. Before entering the war, he married Pearl (Penny) L. Nolan, a graduate nurse from Kohler School of Nursing, and fathered Mary Ann Nolan (deceased). He went on to pilot B-17s with the 5th Air Force in the South Pacific to Okinawa. He rose to the rank of Colonel in the US Air Force, and worked in the Judge Advocate's department at McChord. He was admitted to the bar in 1949 and practiced law. In 1950 he moved to Tacoma and became the father of Thomas J. Nolan. Paul joined City Attorney's staff in the Old City Hall. Following the City Charter change he served as principal attorney for the Public Utility Department and was appointed Director of Public Utilities in 1979, serving until his retirement. Paul had a full life, living to 94 years. Paul is survived by son Tom, his wife's brother Don Aicher and daughters Michelle and Sharon Aicher, and by Paul Osterbeck, Debbie Osterbeck, and by three grandsons, Brian, David, and Andrew Osterbeck. Paul enjoyed jogging, U of W football, gymnastics, swimming in the Elks Club pool, coaching basketball, listening to classical music, and reading the New Yorker magazine. Gaffney Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.